New Evangelisation: Formation talk by Bishop Egan

Friday 10th January 2020

There was a great turnout for the first Formation event of the year as many parishioners from across the diocese braved the chilly January weather to listen to Bishop Egan, of Portsmouth Diocese, speaking on New Evangelisation.

The talk focused on three elements: an in-depth focus on today’s society and culture, what New Evangelisation actually is and practical actions which could be taken by those in attendance. The talk was followed by an opportunity for questions.

Bishop Egan addressed attendees with a message of hope, saying: “As Catholics we stand in a great tradition. The message we have is powerfully Good News. It is an invitation sent to every single child, woman and man on earth. Our task is to communicate Jesus Christ attractively and imaginatively so that everyone can find their way to him and to that true, genuine, lasting happiness and fulfilment for which they long.

“Vatican II put Mission within its full context as the whole Church, on Mission on all six continents. This Mission is not only about conversion but about dialogue, justice and peace. It’s also about fostering social and human development. The term used to capture this fuller, richer meaning of Mission was Evangelisation. However, New Evangelisation would suggest there are circumstances in which the usual methods of Evangelisation aren’t working and something different is now needed.”

Bishop Egan went on to explain there are three different contexts for New Evangelisation: those where the Gospel has not been announced, needing primary proclamation, those where the faith is flourishing and ongoing pastoral care is required, and those in intermediate situations where people have drifted from the faith – and therefore, a New Evangelisation is needed.